Angolan Writer Nituecheni Africano Wins the Sankofa Book Awards – Kenya 2025 with the Novel The Recluse: The Beginning and the End of an Injustice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nairobi, August 8, 2025
Angolan Writer Nituecheni Africano Wins the Sankofa Book Awards – Kenya 2025 with the Novel The Recluse: The Beginning and the End of an Injustice
The Sankofa Book Awards – Kenya 2025 proudly announces that this year’s winner is Nituecheni Africano, celebrated Angolan author of The Recluse: The Beginning and the End of an Injustice.
Chosen from dozens of finalists across the African continent, the novel impressed an international jury of literary critics, acclaimed authors, and scholars of contemporary African literature. With a powerful and sensitive narrative, the work stands out for its sharp social critique and deep reflection on themes such as justice, memory, and human dignity.
“This is a novel that forces us to confront the open wounds of recent African history, written with maturity, intensity, and deep humanity,” said Professor Wanjiku Mugo, president of the jury, during the announcement ceremony.
Reacting to the win, Nituecheni Africano spoke with emotion and humility:
“This recognition is, above all, a tribute to the struggle for justice that so many Africans have faced—and continue to face. The Recluse was born from pain, but also from the hope that our stories can light the way. I am deeply honored by this award and grateful to see African literature increasingly gaining the recognition it deserves.”
Nituecheni Africano will receive:
- A USD 5,000 cash prize
- The Sankofa Trophy, symbolizing the reclaiming and honoring of African memory
- Translation of the novel into English, French, and one of Kenya’s national languages
The official award ceremony will take place on September 26, 2025, in Nairobi, during a prestigious literary gala attended by writers, publishers, journalists, diplomats, and intellectuals from across the globe. The winner will be present alongside other finalists.
The official announcement was made on August 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM (Kenya time) on the award’s official websites:
🌐 www.sankofabookawards.com
🌐 www.sankofabookawardskenya.com
About the Sankofa Book Awards – Kenya
Created to celebrate African literary excellence, the Sankofa Book Awards honors works that recover, preserve, and reimagine the African experience in its many voices and languages. Based in Kenya, the award has continental reach and growing global recognition.
Press Contact – Interviews, Information, or Gala Accreditation:
📞 +254 712 345 656
📧 [email protected]
📧 [email protected]
🔗 https://sankofabookawardskenya.com/
Note to International Media:
We invite newspapers, broadcasters, and online platforms worldwide to share this achievement. Africa and the world should be proud—let’s spread the story of this outstanding author.
